Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, seamlessly blending into your daily life.
These spice mills are crafted by "Mokkou Yamani," a workshop run by husband and wife Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
There are two types: "pepper mills" and "salt mills," and in addition to their unique forms, they offer an exceptional feel in the hand. They are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai both enrolled in the Woodcraft Course at the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduating, Shohei worked in furniture making at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience at chair upholstery workshops, both engaging in wood-related work.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
Then, from 2020, Mirai joined, and their collaborative work as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these are works meticulously crafted by two individuals who thoroughly understand wood.
Their precise, elegant beauty, like an objet d'art, is so captivating that you can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding Fragrance, Weaving Forms
Shohei began making pepper mills because he loved black pepper and wanted to create a tool that could grind it more deliciously himself.
His inspiration, he says, was the black pepper used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop.
Through repeated trial and error, he apparently created over 170 different shapes.
The passion poured into these pepper mills is palpable.
Their names, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," are derived from familiar objects, adding a playful and charming touch.
Organic Design
The form features a quiet yet somehow unrestrained indentation, where curves and straight lines intertwine.
Such unique shapes are created using woodworking lathe technology, typically employed for furniture components like table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they draw inspiration from the designs of predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of Windsor chairs from abroad that they admired, legs of low tables, Buddhist altarpieces, and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two convenient sizes for home use, choosing between them depending on the place and occasion.
The larger type shown in the photo is tall and can hold plenty of spices, making it very convenient for daily use in the kitchen.
On the other hand, the smaller type is compact and perfect for enjoying freshly ground spices at the dining table.
The adjusting screw with gold hardware is for the "pepper mill," and silver is for the "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver adjusting screws subtly add an accent.
Grinding as if cutting
To use Japanese-made products, they use blades from "IKEDA," a manufacturer of spice mills that are highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These Japanese blades, they say, can grind "as if cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," allowing for a more aromatic grind and longer-lasting sharpness.
The pleasant grinding sensation, "jari-jari," is also a distinctive feature that might become addictive.
Another welcome point is that if a defect or malfunction occurs, they offer paid repairs for the wooden parts and replacement of the blades.
It's something to cherish for a long time, and I look forward to it becoming more integrated into my life with continued use.
How to Use
First, remove the adjusting screw and the top part to refill the spices.
Hold the body with the adjusting screw loosened, and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the coarseness of the grind by tightening or loosening the adjusting screw.
For a coarser grind, loosen the screw; for a finer grind, tighten it slightly.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part when the screw is fully tightened, as this may cause a malfunction.
Elevated by Pepper, a Blissful Taste
Pepper is perfect for finishing meat and fish dishes, as well as salads and pasta, and the classic carbonara, in particular, is so well-suited that you'll want to repeat it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural essence, reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
I find myself completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch."
With the pleasant, smooth feel of the mill in hand, a fragrant burst of spice rises with each grind of pepper, filling the dining table with excitement.
Placed not just in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it functions as an interior piece, bringing the warmth of wood into the space.
Please try holding a "Mokkou Yamani" spice mill, which shines with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
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Maker: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Oak (iron roasted) (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Iron
Size: Approximately Φ70 × H130 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
As these products are handmade from natural materials, there may be individual differences in shape, color, and size.
【Precautions for use】
・Store away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity.
・Do not wash with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth wrung out after being moistened with water.
・If the wood surface feels dry, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (such as olive oil, linseed oil, or perilla oil) and wipe thoroughly.
・If not used for a long period, remove the contents to prevent deterioration of the mill blade and spices.
・The color of the wood may change over time due to aging.
・Only black pepper and white pepper can be used.
・Avoid using salt or pink pepper.
・Use well-dried, oil-free pepper with a grain size of approximately 2-5 mm.
・Some shapes may not be able to be ground.
【About maintenance】
If a defect or malfunction occurs, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish for this service, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
